Knowledgebase

Sad Apple Tree #752316

Asked May 26, 2021, 2:54 PM EDT

Hello! One of my two small apple trees is really suffering. Last year it was severely affected by cedar apple rust. This spring, it bloomed quite well, but now the leaves are stunted and I am not sure it’s still growing. In comparison, our other tree is fully leafed out. Is there anything I can do to help it recover? Is there still hope? Thank you!! Linnea

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

The following website gives three causes of rolled leaves, leaf rollers and powdery mildew.  Another cause is herbicide drift.  

Did you or a neighbor use a herbicide on a windy day? The cupped pattern of these leaves suggests that is the problem.  If new leaves come out okay you will know this is the cause. Also did any of the Hosta show a cupped pattern?  Keep the tree well watered.

The website gives suggestions on what to look for and treatments.

See:  http://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/fruit/apple/leavesrolled.html

Another potential or actual problem is at the lower trunk area. There appears to be black plastic almost next to the trunk and the mulch is touching the trunk.  There may also be damage to the trunk. Mulch should not touch the tree because it provides a place for pests to hide and nibble on the trunk.  Mulch should 6-8” away from the trunk.  The plastic and pavers may also be limiting how much water is available to the tree. You may need to water more than usual given this situation.

Mary, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied May 29, 2021, 8:59 AM EDT
Hi Mary,

I am not sure the reasons you list are the cause of our poor tree’s suffering. The reason is the other tree is flourishing and doing very well.

 We definitely have not used herbicides. As far as I know from asking, our neighbors have not, either. The hostas, hydrangea, and immediately adjacent apple tree are unaffected. 

The photo was taken during spring clean up prior to the landscape fabric and mulch being removed from the immediately adjacent trunk area. The black fabric is permeable landscape fabric, not black plastic. 

We have watered both trees equally but only this tree is suffering. 

Again, it bloomed wonderfully this spring but leaf development has quit. I’m super worried. Can you recommend an apple arborist to visit my tree and help?’

Please let me know any other info that could revive our tree ASAP. 

Thank you!!

Linnea Maas

 

InsideTheRobot.com

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On May 29, 2021, at 8:00 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied June 04, 2021, 4:23 PM EDT

We do not recommend particular arborists but the following website does have ideas on what to look for and how to reach them.  See:  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional

Mary, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 04, 2021, 9:35 PM EDT

Mary,

 

Thank you so much for the link. We will pursue it for further advice.

 

Appreciate your time on our issue!

 

Linnea Maas

 

952.239.0110

InsideTheRobot.com

 

From: Ask Extension
Sent: Friday, June 4, 2021 8:35 PM
To: Linnea Marie Maas
Cc: Linnea Maas
Subject: Re: Sad Apple Tree (#0022247)

 

The Question Asker Replied June 10, 2021, 6:39 PM EDT

You are welcome. Good luck with your tree.

Mary, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied June 10, 2021, 8:42 PM EDT

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